LA Artists to Watch in 2014

Written by

I can tell already it’s going to be a good year for LA music and we have a front row seat!

First off, it must be mentioned that Beck has created one of his best albums yet with “Morning Phase” and current LA resident Greg Dulli has announced The Afghan Whigs will be releasing a new full length in April, their first in 16 years!

But there are a handful of bands we’ve had our eye on for months now – or even years – that are bubbling up to the surface and are ready for international attention.

Moses Sumney has been getting steady airplay ever since last year when we got our hands on his song “Alchemy”.

Okay Player, Buzzbands.la and The Deli have put him on “Artist to Watch” lists and he’s touring with Local Natives and Dr. Dog. His performances are powerful and his voice will leave you haunted in the best kind of way.

He will be headlining the Bootleg every Monday in March. Don’t miss it. Trust me. (also headlining one of KCRW’s SXSW showcases!

For fans of Jeff Buckley.

James Supercave is an art pop band that Jason Bentley named as one of the ‘5 LA Musicians to watch in 2014’. We’ve been steadily spinning a demo that is currently unreleased called “Burn”.

They’ve been playing a lot around town and are releasing their debut EP this Spring on local label Hit City USA. They’ll be touring with another LA favorite, Warpaint, in April.

For fans of David Bowie.

Speaking of Hit City USA, they just released an excellent 7” called “Stop Playing with My Heart” from Jacob Summers, an Alaskan turned Angeleno who goes by Avid Dancer.

A LOT of promise here, a very soulful song with a deep groove. Last year, I was sent a track called “Not Far to Go”, that I liked a LOT and that is not even out yet, so they are clearly holding on to some gems!

For fans of 60’s psychedelic pop.

Mr. Little Jeans aka Monica Birkenes relocated from Norway to LA a few years ago. She creates smart, danceable pop that is hard to resist. She handed us the track “Good Mistake” earlier this year and – after fielding many calls about where to find it – I’m happy to announce it is finally streaming online for all to hear.

Her album “Pocketknife” is due out March 25 on Harvest Records.

For fans of Robyn.

Local label Innovative Leisure seems pretty unstoppable right about now.

Last year it was Classixx. This year it’s Glendale duo De Lux. I’ve gotten a chance to listen to their full album and if you like the single (below), you’re in store for a real treat.  This could be the album of the summer.

For fans of the Talking Heads (gone old school disco).

Wunder Wunder are an Australian duo who now live in LA. There’s a throwback psych pop vibe to their music. They did a residency at the Bootleg at the end of last year and supposedly have a full length on the way from Dovecote Records.

For fans of Of Montreal.

Last but not least, Banks has her full length debut cooking. We’ve covered her a bunch, including debuting a new track last month!

RR